Lakers secure scrappy 108-104 win over Thunder without Lonzo Ball

The third time turned out to be a charm for the Los Angeles Lakers. After suffering their two worst losses of the 2017-18 NBA season to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Purple and Gold pulled out a stunning 108-104 win at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday, once again without the services of Lonzo Ball.

The Lakers used a balanced attack to outlast the All-Star trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. All five Lakers starters scored in double figures, led by Brook Lopez (20 points, five rebounds, five assists). Rookie Josh Hart secured his second double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds) in as many games since replacing Tyler Ennis as Ball’s stand-in at point guard. Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to score almost as many points (18) as all of OKC’s reserves combined (20).

L.A. betrayed its standing as the NBA’s worst three-point shooting team by draining 13-of-30 (43.3 percent) from beyond the arc. The Thunder, on the other hand, hit just 7-of-25 (28.0 percent) from deep.

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Westbrook exploded for game highs in points (36) and assists (nine), but turned the ball over seven times. George chipped in 26 points and seven rebounds, with four turnovers of his own. Anthony nabbed his sixth double-double (10 points, 13 rebounds) while struggling with his shot (3-of-13).

The Thunder nearly bounded back from a double-digit deficit late, behind a 7-0 run featuring scores from Westbrook and George and a slew of L.A. blunders. But Julius Randle (19 points, six rebounds, four assists) sealed it for the visitors with a late free throw and a key inbounds catch amid contact from OKC.

The Lakers, 21-31 overall and 3-2 on their five-game road trip, will head home with just their second win in their last 13 games against OKC. The status of Lonzo’s injured left knee remains in doubt, but after nabbing their sixth win in their last eight games without their rookie point guard, the Purple and Gold can feel confident about their ability to win shorthanded when they host the Phoenix Suns and Thunder at Staples Center this week.

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